LIEUTENANT General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman will assume the role of Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM) with immediate effect from tomorrow, following his promotion to the rank of General.
Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin, confirmed that the appointment had received the royal consent of Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
The recommendation for Malek’s elevation was made during the 633rd (Special) Meeting of the Armed Forces Council (MAT) held on 29 January, and subsequently received royal approval yesterday.
"Malek holds a Strategic and Security Diploma from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College London, and a Master of Social Science in Defence Studies from UKM," the Khalid stated.
"His service began in 1985 as an External Cadet Officer at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, and he was commissioned on 11 December 1987 as a Second Lieutenant.
"Throughout nearly four decades of service, he has demonstrated exceptional skill, capability, excellence, and leadership. He began his career as Platoon Commander in the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment and subsequently served in various units, holding multiple command and staff appointments," Khalid added.
Prior to this appointment, Malek served as the Commander of the Western Field Command of the Malaysian Army.
"Given his extensive experience and proven credibility, the Ministry of Defence is confident that this appointment will strengthen the leadership and operational capability of the Malaysian Armed Forces in addressing national defence challenges.
"Additionally, it will help restore and reinforce the Armed Forces’ prestige through leadership grounded in integrity and professionalism, while maintaining the public’s trust in the nation’s defence institution," the Minister said. - January 31, 2026
